August 11, 2018 12:04pm EDTAugust 11, 2018 12:04pm EDTFootball, Premier League, News, Newcastle United, English, Mauricio Pochettino, TottenhamTottenham fielded five players who featured in the World Cup semi-finals, but they battled against fatigue to see out a 2-1 win at St. James' Park(Getty Images)

Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli scored either side of Newcastle striker Joselu during a frantic opening 18 minutes at St James' Park.

Vertonghen and Alli were two of five World Cup semi-finalists in the Spurs starting line-up despite only returning to training this week.

Mohamed Diame and Salomon Rondon were denied by post and crossbar during the second half as a flagging Tottenham hung on.

"I am so proud. I think the performance, in all the circumstances, we were fantastic," Pochettino told Sky Sports.

"Newcastle were a very good opponent. They created some chances to score more than one.

"Sometimes in football you need not only effort but some luck. I think in all the circumstances and how we prepared the game, with a lot of player who only started training on Monday, we can say it's a brilliant effort.

"We need to play better, be more consistent and not allow the opposition to create chances.

"But, of course, I am not going to complain. We need to be clever and learn and it's a massive challenge to try to work all together again in just a few days."

Mauricio: "Under the circumstances it was good to start the season in this way. The players showed great character and commitment, the mentality was amazing." #COYSpic.twitter.com/ENkcg2AutE

Spurs did not add a single player during the transfer window, sparking discontent from some of the club's supporters.

Pochettino's side showed the benefit of familiarity as they hung on against Newcastle and, with a move to the new White Hart Lane on the horizon, the Argentinian tactician took the opportunity to call for a united front.